Late goals condemn United U-14s to ‘derby’ defeat

It was a case of what might have been for Ballymena United under-14s who lost out in Saturday’s town derby against Carniny at the Showgrounds.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Nov 2015, 09:00 BST
A Ballymena United under-14 player nips past two Carniny Youth opponents.A Ballymena United under-14 player nips past two Carniny Youth opponents.
A Ballymena United under-14 player nips past two Carniny Youth opponents.

Dominating the second half the sky blues were unable to breach the charmed Reds goal and were struck with a sucker punch with five minutes remaining as Carniny scored on a breakaway.An excellent game however between two top sides.

A weakened United 16s unfortunately exited the NIBFA cup,the 13s played a friendly with North End, with a number of boys absent and called up, they were able to give game time to a number of squad players. The under 15’s had no game with the under 12s and 11s’ fixtures in Lisburn, victims of the weather.

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Team tracksuits should be available in the next ten days for those who have ordered, tickets for the Christmas draw can be purchased from any player, coach or committee member.

A Ballymena United under-14 player plays a pass to a team-mate in the cup tie against Carniny.A Ballymena United under-14 player plays a pass to a team-mate in the cup tie against Carniny.
A Ballymena United under-14 player plays a pass to a team-mate in the cup tie against Carniny.

UNDER-14

Carniny Youth 2, BUYA 0: The first half was very even with few chances for either side as the defences came out on top. The second period saw United take the upper hand in possession, they created a host of chances but failed to capitalise, due in the main to some inspired goalkeeping from the Carniny number one and some resolute defending.

The chances continued to come for the sky blues but on a rare breakaway with five minutes remaining the Reds took the lead after a goalmouth scramble. After the constant pressure this seemed to take wind out of the United sails and Carniny added a second in injury time after some excellent wing play.

UNDER-16

A Ballymena United under-14 player has a shot at goal against Carniny.A Ballymena United under-14 player has a shot at goal against Carniny.
A Ballymena United under-14 player has a shot at goal against Carniny.

Ballymena United 2, Donegal Celtic 3: The sky blues were also missing a raft of regulars due to injuries and suspensions and the West Belfast boys were first off the mark after a hesitation in the United defence and another lapse saw the city team go two ahead.

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A good run and a deflected finish from United’s best performer Jack McMurray gave hope to the sky blues.Another breakaway effort however made it 1-3 to Celtic but United were back in the game from a McMurray cross and stooped header from Andrew Smith.